Housing Corporation cements relationship with Audit Commission
The Housing Corporation has agreed a memorandum of understanding with the Audit Commission, in order to further strengthen the relationship between both organisations.
Prompted by a review of housing regulation and compliance by Sir Les Elton, the memorandum is the third such agreement signed by both parties since April 2003. The latest incarnation sets out their respective management roles and responsibilities. Continue reading…
Commission delivers damning verdicts on local councils
The Audit Commission has highlighted some areas in which council landlord services are performing badly, pointing out where there is room for improvement.
Tenants residing in Rutland council-managed properties are receiving a “poor service” from their landlords, according to the report, particularly with regard to the speed of repairs and vacant property turnaround times. Continue reading…
Scottish authorities receive 5% more funding
Local authorities in Scotland will receive core funding of £8.7 billion for the coming financial year, it has been announced.
Tom McCabe, minister for finance and public service reform, told the Scottish Executive that the sum represents an increase of £396 million compared to the previous tax year, which equates to annual funding growth of nearly five per cent. Continue reading…
Planners lobby to bridge public-private divide
A group of building and planning stakeholders has called for the gap between the private and the public sectors to be closed.
The unique consortium’s report, entitled ‘Future Planners: Propositions for the next age of planning’, suggests that bridging this gap and using resources from both sectors is the only way in which the profession can prosper. Continue reading…
Carbon Challenge to champion affordable housing
Details were unveiled today of a new international challenge for house builders to help create zero-carbon and low-carbon communities.
Ruth Kelly, communities secretary, launched the scheme, which will be run by English Partnerships. Developers will be called upon to help create these flagship communities though a number of methods. Continue reading…
